Newport Preview at Bob Boilen’s Tiny Desk

Hozier – Photo by Dara Munnis

The Newport Folk Festival is less than two months away. The entire festival is sold out. There have been a number of evening events announced – most of which are also sold out. Most of the lineup has already been announced, but we’re told there are still a few surprises, including the details of the stage that’s being organized by our friends at The Bluegrass Situation.

While we anxiously wait for more, NPR has released Tiny Desk Concerts from two Newport freshman over the last two weeks.

Hozier: This week, Irish folker Hozier opened his session with “Take Me to Church” – a song with a traditional feel musically, but so much lyrically. The song, which weights the connections of sex and religion, has received quite a bit of attention for its video featuring a gay couple that’s hunted down by hooded persecutors.

Ages and Ages: Last week, the eight member Portland-based choral folk pop crew, Ages and Ages, performed songs off of its new playful record, Divisionary (Amazon MP3 & Spotify), as well as a few older tunes. “Old Demons,” their set’s closer, is a nice one.